Football

Subra’s back and raring to go

Ex-Kelantan defender S. Subramaniam (left) has fully recovered from his knee surgery and is raring to go for his new club, Johor Darul Ta'zim this season. - Filepic

PETALING JAYA: Johor Darul Ta’zim’s (JDT) new defender S. Subramaniam is ready to jumpstart his career after missing out a full season through injury.

The hard-tackling Kelantan centreback injured his knee in the 3-2 win over Armed Forces in the October 2012 Malaysia Cup final after colliding with Hairuddin Omar and had to go through surgery and a lengthy rehab.

The 28-year-old player then raised eyebrows after opting to not extend his stay with the Red Warriors last season and joining cash-rich JDT for the 2014 season.

The move didn’t seem to make sense to most as Subra would have to compete with seven other centrebacks in the team including national first choice Mohd Aidil Zafuan Abdul Razak and Singapore’s Baihakki Khaizan for a starting spot in the team.

However, Subra said he relishes the challenge to break into the team and prove that he’s one of the best centrebacks in the country.

“I have fully recovered from my surgery. I just lack match fitness after the long break but I believe that I’m ready to start the season,” said Subra.

“As a professional, I want to compete with the best players. We have four international centrebacks in the team and I want to show that I’m as good as them.”

JDT flexed their financial muscle this season by securing the services of top Malaysian players after signing two former Argentina internationals - attacking midfielder Pablo Aimar and striker Luciano Figueroa.

Subra downplayed JDT’s superstar tag, saying that the players should only be hailed as stars if they win titles.

“There are no stars in the team ... we have yet to win anything,” said Subra, who picked up six silverware with Kelantan since joining them in 2010, including the historic M-League treble in 2012.

“The players should only be called stars after helping the team win titles this season. We have a strong squad and I believe the team will end the title drought this season.”